Gary Hunt wins bronze for France at European Aquatics Championships in Paris

Saturday 08 August 2026 - 18:30

By: Sahili Aya

Gary Hunt wins bronze for France at European Aquatics Championships in Paris

French high diver Gary Hunt claimed a bronze medal in the men's 20-metre platform event at the 2026 European Aquatics Championships in Paris on Saturday, securing the first continental medal of his career.

At 42, Hunt delivered a decisive performance in front of the Eiffel Tower, recovering from fifth place midway through the competition to finish on the podium with 382.50 points. The high-diving event was staged from a platform installed on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, creating one of the most striking settings of the championships.

Hunt seals podium place with final dive

Hunt entered the final round outside the medal positions but produced his strongest performance when it mattered most. His fourth and final dive allowed him to move into third place and secure bronze.

Romania's Cătălin Petru Preda won the European title, while Italy's Andrea Barnaba took silver. The podium was confirmed after the final round, with the Eiffel Tower providing the backdrop to the medal ceremony.

A spectacular Paris setting

The men's competition took place from a 20-metre platform positioned on the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, one of Paris's best-known bridges. The unusual venue placed the high divers against the city's iconic skyline and formed part of the high-diving programme at the European Aquatics Championships.

European Aquatics had identified the bridge as the venue for the high-diving competition, with the men's and women's events scheduled across August 7 and 8.

A first European medal for a high-diving veteran

Hunt, who represented Great Britain before switching allegiance to France in 2020, is one of the most decorated figures in high diving. He previously won world titles in 2015 and 2019 and has accumulated numerous victories on the international high-diving circuit.

His bronze in Paris therefore carries particular significance: it gives the veteran athlete his first European Championship medal while also adding another podium finish for France at a home continental event.

The 2026 European Aquatics Championships are being held in Paris from July 31 to August 16, with high diving taking place on August 7 and 8 before the swimming programme begins.